Hey, it’s the dead time. ESPN.com put out a recap (again?) of the Big East teams’ spring practice answers and fall questions. Actually, it’s not a half bad thing for each team. It does seem to capture a lot of what was focused and discussed during spring practice.
Spring answers: On an offensive line that needed some good news, C.J. Davis provided a dose. As a true freshman in 2005, Davis started the last six games at left guard and showed some promise. He showed even more in spring practice, being named most improved offensive player. Davis looked like a guy who had been around for three or four years. … Pitt fans want to expunge that image of Pat White running around for 220 yards as hated West Virginia poured on 45 points in last year’s Backyard Brawl. The embarrassed Pitt defenders don’t want to forget, though. In every facet of the game, the Mountaineers were simply too fast for the Panthers — and that wasn’t the only time speed gave this unit problems. So that aspect was the overwhelming emphasis during winter conditioning, and anyone who witnessed Pitt’s scrimmages saw a noticeable difference on the field. In addition to tough conditioning, it’s apparent the players are more comfortable in the system and are playing faster, as opposed to thinking about it, then attempting to react. … The linebackers led the way on defense, as they will all season. H.B. Blades is an All-American candidate, but that didn’t come as any revelation. The play of Clint Session sure was a welcome one, though. Saddled with injury and inconsistency the last two years, Session always has been a tenacious hitter, but he’s finally playing smart. And what about the play of converted safety Tommie Campbell? A high school state champion in the sprint, Campbell showed a knack for making plays all over the field and brings a speed and playmaking ability that haven’t been seen on the weak side at Pitt in quite some time. He needs to continue to bulk up, but how often can you say a linebacker is the fastest player on the team? … The unexpected return of senior Mike Phillips late in spring practice was encouraging. A nasty ankle injury in September knocked the then-free safety out for the season. Since he’ll be counted on to replace Tez Morris at free safety this fall, his return to health is welcome news.
Fall questions: It’s really very simple for the Panthers: Can they run, and can they stop the run? They found little success doing either last season. In the backfield, LaRod Stephens-Howling is a decent enough option, but is he really the kind of back Dave Wannstedt was talking about when he said Pitt was going to be a power-running team from day one? Or is it incoming freshman Kevin Collier, who was a recruit of great priority for this staff? No matter who it is, there’s still some work to be done up front — even with the four starters who return. Depth is still an issue, as is the left tackle position after the graduation of Charles Spencer. Will it be sophomore John Bachman or incoming juco transfer Jeff Otah? … As far as stopping the run, the Panthers are going to have to plug some holes in the middle with the loss of both tackles. Truthfully, there were too many holes for the opponent in that area, anyway. And now teams get to take aim at an inexperienced group of four or five redshirt freshmen and sophomores. … QB Tyler Palko lost a major weapon when receiver Greg Lee put his name in the hat for the NFL draft. For the first time in years, is it possible the Panthers won’t have a true go-to guy at that position? Derek Kinder and Joe DelSardo are OK second and third options, but No. 1 material? What about the young guys such as redshirt freshman Oderick Turner and versatile true freshman Dorin Dickerson? Can they contribute right away? … With Josh Cummings gone, who becomes the new kicker? David Abdul held the position from 2002 to 2003, but a car accident caused him to see limited action the next two years. Sophomore Conor Lee had a nice spring and will present a challenge.
In the “3 Things” segment between ESPN.com writers Ivan Maisel and Pat Forde, Pitt doesn’t even merit mention. Louisville QB Brohm coming back from injury, WVU are on both lists. Then questions as to whether Syracuse will actually improve and whether Rutgers was a one-hit wonder with a winning season.
